The tradition of drinking vinegar goes back centuries in Japan, where samurai warriors reportedly drank apple cider vinegar to boost their strength in preparation for battle. However, the rest of the world is just beginning to catch on to Japan's secret, as drinking vinegar is beginning to stake a claim as a rising trend to watch in soft drinks, cocktails, and more.

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Just over a decade ago, author Michael Lewis published a book named "Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game." It told the story of how a man named Billy Beane - then general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team - revolutionized the way that teams recruited players. He did so by dismissing the adage that identification of talent was about "gut instinct" and "feel."

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The global economic downturn has resulted in a world of stress-overloaded consumers. Global respondents to Datamonitor's 2014 Consumer Survey placed stress second on a list of 47 health concerns, with 45% of the global population saying that they are concerned about it right now. Globally, consumers are desperately in need of de-stressing.

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Branded coffee shops are still growing in the UK, with more consumers seeking sociability and indulgence. While there is still plenty of room for growth, the market is dominated by the coffee-focused big three: Costa Coffee, Starbucks, and Caffe Nero. It has become crucial for coffee chains to understand what consumers expect inside their outlets as customers, and outside as members of society.

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The "blemish balm" or "beauty balm" BB cream concept has become one of the hottest anti-aging skincare and cosmetic trends in years. Now this trend is jumping to nail care with the introduction of Orly BB Creme "all-in-one" topical cosmetic treatment. New in the UK and the US, this product is the Datamonitor Consumer Product Launch Analytics innovation of the week.

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As consumer awareness of products' ecological footprints and wasted produce grows, it clashes with demand for exotic flavors from far-flung places. This paradox means that the juices and smoothies industry is increasingly squeezed to produce innovative and exotic flavors through eco-friendly means, all at a fair price.

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Although the Indian alcohol industry has traditionally been dominated by stronger spirits, over the last five years beer has been able to make its presence felt with a CAGR of 14.98%. With over 47% population under 25, very low per capita consumption of beer (1.64 liters per person), and sufficient production of the raw material (barley), India has a sea of opportunities for the beer industry.

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The Food Information for Consumers Regulation coming into effect across the EU as of December 13, 2014 changes food labeling for the foodservice industry. Rendering allergen information mandatory on labels and on food that is pre-packed, sold loose, or served out-of-home, the new EU regulation brings some fundamental changes to the way restaurants and caterers operate.

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As summer approaches, cider is bucking the trend of declining on-trade drinks consumption in the UK. Once a drink associated with West Country farmers, cider has been re-invented and is appealing to a new, younger audience. Brewers should build on the resulting increase in on-trade cider consumption to ensure that the drink's place at the bar is firmly established.

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Digital technology is becoming more and more common in restaurants as a tool to enhance the customer's experience and increase sales. With 74% of global consumers owning a smartphone, according to Datamonitor's Consumer Survey in 2014, people are increasingly familiar with Internet-enabled devices, and foodservice operators are capitalizing on this trend by implementing guest-facing technology.